Feminism

Feminism in Nigeria seem to have a whole different meaning compared to the real meaning of feminism. Most women who claim to be feminists do not even know what Feminism is. Feminism is all about equal rights regardless of gender. Gender not limiting what you can do, say or permitted to partake in. Once a man offers to pay for lunch and a woman politely declines, Nigerian men/women tag it as “Feminism”. When a woman firmly stands her ground on a particular opinion, she is referred to as a feminist. The true meaning of feminism is not emphasized on enough. What brought about Feminism? Who were the first feminists?  Who are the true feminists? What is Feminism? These are questions to ask .

Some of these early female feminists include Susan B Anthony, Alice Paul, Elizabeth Cady Stanton amongst others. The first wave of feminism was primarily led by white women in the middle class, and it was not until the second wave of feminism that women of color began developing a voice. These women did their best to make sure there were equal rights and equal grounds for both men and women and till date their works live on.

Equality means equal rights while Equity refers to fairness and justice and is different from equality. equality means providing the same to all, equity means recognizing that we do not all start from the same place and must acknowledge and adjust imbalances.

Embracing equity means embracing an inclusive world for everyone. Understanding that even though we differ biologically, physically, emotionally and mentally we embrace it and we all have important roles to play in creating  a world that puts this perspective into consideration. We should respect and not discriminate women and consider women who are experiencing life circumstances such as a divorce, motherhood, menstruation etc. as these circumstances might have a profound impact on her ability to be productive at work. Men should be more empathetic and patient with women. There are slim opportunities for growth for women in the society. They are rarely considered for top positions and when they are eventually, privileged to be in such positions, not given the same respect Men would usually have due to the gender inequality the society has instilled.

Feminism is not only about equality, but also equity. This is what many Nigerians and even the world at large has failed to understand. For instance, Mrs. A who is pregnant has obviously been limited in her productivity at work and has to be given some off days and  an understanding mind as she can no longer function as she used to. Now, with all things being equal, Mrs. A is still expected to be at her duty post and perform excellently even though there is already a biological constraint caused by her pregnancy . However, embracing equity in this situation is understanding Mrs. A’s condition  and how well she would be able to function  in doing her duty. We are not all the same and we embrace it.